Gasoline tank closure means



July 2, 1935. o, c. Rrrz-woLLER 2,006,747

GASOLINE TANK CLOSURE MEANS Filed March 10, 1932 Inv@ noxfmental July 2, 193s UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GAsoLrNE TANK cLosUaE MEANS Oliver C. Ritz-Weller, Chicago, lll. Appucsuoiuarcn 1o, 1932, serial N0. 591,948

20 Claims.

My invention relates to closure means for the gasoline tanks of automobiles, and it has for its object the provision of a new and improved form and arrangement of parts by which improved clamping means may be provided capable of being released readily either by a straight pull thereon or by a combination pull and rotary movement, by which such rotary movement of the body of the cap may be effected without a corresponding rotary movement of the clamping members by which the cap is secured in position, by which an improved mounting for the clamping members on the body of the cap is attained so as to strengthen the device and prolong its life, by which the difficulty and labor of assembling the device is cut to a minimum while at the same time the parts are very rmly secured together, by which the device is protected from 'catching on the spout of the tank during the operation of removing the cap from closing position, by which an improved vent through the cap is provided, by which the spring clamping means are prevented from being bent at the intermediate portions of their bases when the' cap is being applied to a tank or being removed therefrom, and by which the device is improved in sundry details as hereinafter set forth.

The preferred means by which I have accomplished my several objects are illustrated in the drawing and are hereinafter specifically described.` That which I believe to be new and desire to cover by Letters Patent is set forth in the claims.

In the draWing,-`

Fig. 1 is a central vertical section through the preferred form of my closure cap means in position upon the usual type of filling spout also shown in section;

Fig. 2 is a side View of one of the spring clamping devices employed in the construction of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the plate by which the spring clamping devices are mounted in position, such clamping devices being also shown, partly in section; and

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the lling spout member of a gasoline tank.

Referring now to the several gures of the drawing, in which corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference characters, I0 indicates the. gasoline tank of any approved form having a tubular filling spout II of the usual style mounted thereon such spout in the construction shown being mounted in position by means of an outwardly extending flange I 2. As is best shown in Fig. 1, the upper end of the spout I I is provided with an inwardly and downwardly turned flange portion I3 which terminates at a. short distance from the upper end of the spout. As is shown in Fig. 4, the flange I3 is notched atopposite sides,

as indicated at I4, the flange at one side of each 5 of said notches being of increasing width circumferentially thereof up to a. point a short distance from the other notch, at which point ashoulder I5 is provided. This arrangement is provided for the purpose of enabling two lugs inserted through 10 the notches I4 to be turned into position underneath the ilange I3 for effecting a bayonet slot connection therewith if desired.

My improved closure cap comprises a disc I6 of sheet metal provided with a flaring portion II 15 near its outer edge which terminates in a cylindrical flange portion I8. In the construction shown the plate I6 is covered about its edge and across its upper face with a'plate I9 of polished aluminum which extends across the outer face 20 of the ange I8 and is spun thereabout as indicated at 20 for holding the parts securely together.

Upon the bottom face of the plate I6, I have mounted two cork gaskets 2| just inside of the flaring portion I1, such gaskets in the construction shown being held in position by means of a plurality oftongues 22 struck up from the plate. These gaskets are designed to correspon). in size to that of the upper end portion of the spout I I.

At its central point, the plate I 6 is provided 30 with an opening, the marginal portion of'the metal about the opening being offset with respect to the adjacent portion of the plate so as to provide a shallow circular recess 23 within which I have mounted a metal disc 24. A second metal disc 25 is provided which has its outer edge portion offset slightly with respect to the major portion of the disc so as to have a working iit in the central opening of the plate I6.

On the bottom of the disc 25, I have mounted 4b two spring clip members of substantially the form shown in Fig. 2. Each of said clips comprises a base 26 of spring metal having arms 2l at an angle thereto at each end with arms 28 doubled back upon the arms 2l, the base 2S and 45 the several arms being all formed integrally with each other, inthe construction shown. As is best shown in Fig. 1, where a portion of one of the arms 28 is-broken away, each of the arms 28 is in the form of a channel longitudinally of the 50 arm, both of such arms being bowed outwardly at their intermediate portions. As a result of this construction, the arms 28 are adapted to be forced inwardly toward each other by a camming action when the clips are forced into engage- 55 `xnentwitliapartsuchastlie saicl clips being oiiset slightlyas shown inFlg. 1

for causingthe basesto havefin eile'ct a notched.

inter-engagement'with each other. For holding the clips in position upon the disc 24, I have` provided a plate 24 which engages the bottom faces ofthe base portions 24, such plate 24 being provided with bending tongues 44 at its corners which are adapted to extend through suitable openings in the plates 24 and 24, having,

their upper ends bent down against the top face of the plate 24, as is clearly shown in Fig. l. 'Ihe arrangement is such that the clips and the mounting plates 24, 24 and 24 are easily rotatable with respect to the plate I4. With the 'tongues 44 bent down for holding the plates 24,

24 and 24 tightly together with the base portions 24 of the clips interposed between the plate 24 and the disc or plate 24, the base portions 24 of the clips are held substantially against bending at their intermediate portions regardless of how much force is applied forV forcing the'arms 24 toward each other. -Y

As is best shown in Fig.1, a loop 4I is-provided on the bottom face of the plate 24 for attaching a mounting chain or link in position thereon. In the construction shown, the loop 4I is struck up from the metal of the plate 24.

By the4 use of my construction as above described, my improved cap can be moved into locking engagement with a iilling spout such as thespout II asshown,withthespringclipinany angular position. In some positions, both of the clips will have operative engagement with the ilange I3, but in any position the arms 24 of at least one of the clips will have operative engagementwith the flange so as to hold the cap securelyin position. By reason of the revoluble mounting of the clips upon the plate I4, whenl the cap has been pressed to its operative engagement with the lling spout as above described, when an operator applies pressure to the cap for rotating the cap, the clips are permitted to remain in unchanged position with respect to the iiange I4 so as to prevent the clips from becoming improperly engaged with the flange portioy at the ends of the notches I4.

As is clearly shown in Pig. l. the iiaring portion I1 of the plate I4 is provided at one point with an opening 42 therethrough for permitting the entrance of air between the plates I4'and I4. 'Ihe air between said plates is free to pass into the tank lli through the openings in which the tongues 44 are mounted. My cap is thus properly vented in such a manner as to prevent gasoline from escaping by a splashing action.

While I prefer to employ the form of construction as shown in my drawing and as above described, it is to be understood that my invention is not limited to such form except so far as the claimsmaybesolimitedbythepriorart.

I claim: 1.In aclosuremeansforagasollnetanhth combination of a closure plate adapted to seat on the upper end of the filling spout of a tank, a clip having a base portion extending transversely s,ooe,v4v t II. When across the spout and having outwardly `.bowed clamping arms extending longitudinally of the spout at opposite sides thereof for camming engagement with the spout, and means rotatably connecting said base portion of the clip with said closure plate affording free and unlimited rotation of the clip with respect to said plate independently of any yielding movement of the clip.

2. In a closure means for a gasoline tank. the combination of a closure plate adapted to seat on upper end oi' the filling spout of a tank, a clip having a base portion extending transversely across the spout, having spring arms extending longitudinally of the spout from the ends of the base portion, and having outwardly bowed clamping arms extending longitudinally of the spout from the ends of said spring arms at opposite sides of the spout,- and means rotatably connecting said base portion of the clip with said closure plate.

3. In a closure means for a gasoline tank, the

combination of a closure plate, and means for securing said closure plate detachably in position on the filling spout of a tank, comprising a :spring clip having a base portion in position to extend transversely of the spout, spring arm portions formed with said base portion and extending 4normally at about right angles with respect to saidbase portion, and comparatively much stiil'er arm portions turned baokwardly on said spring arm portions for entering the spout longitudinally thereof and bowed outwardly at their intermediate portions for a camming engagement therewith, said second named arm portions being of a length to extend upwardly beyond the spout for facilitating removal of the device from the spout.

4. In a device of the type'described, the combination of a closure plate, a clip lcomprising a spring base portion extending across the inner face of the plate and spring arm portions formed on opposite ends of said base portion at an angle with respect thereto for securing the plate in opl erative closure position, and means comprising a pair of clamping plates secured together at opposite faces of said closure plate adapted to hold said base portion in position on said closure plate so as to be revoluble thereon. 4

5. In a device of the type described, the coinbination of a closure plate, a clip comprising a spring base portion extending .across the inner face of the plate and spring arm portions foi-medv -1 on opposite ends of said base portion at an angle with respect thereto for securing the plate in operative closure position, and means comprising 'a pair of clamping plates secured together atopposite faces of saidclosure plate adapted to hold said base portion in position on said closure plate so as to be revoluble thereon and adapted to hold the base portion substantially against bending at an intermediate point when said arms are displaced towards or from each other.

6. In a device of the type described, the combination of a closure plate having an opening therethrough, a clip comprising'a base portion extending across said opening on the inner face or the plate and arm portions extending at an angle to said base portion at opposite ends thereof for securing the plate in operative closure position. a pair of clamping plates at opposite faces of said closure plate so as to be revoluble with respect to said opening in said closure plate. and means for securing said clamping plates together and for mounting said clip iirmly thereon.

7. In a device of the type described, the commeans for securing said clamping plates together and for mounting said clip firmly thereon and serving with the adjacent one of said clamping plates to hold said base member substantially against bending at an intermediate point when said arms are displaced towards or from each other.

8. In a device of the type described, the combination of a closure plate having an opening therethrough, a clip comprising a base portion extending across said opening on the inner face of the plate and arm portions extending at an angle to said base portion at opposite ends thereof for securing the plate in operative closure position, a pair of clamping plates at opposite faces of said closure plate with one of said last named plates oii'set at its middle portion for iitting said opening in the closure plate, and means for securing said clamping plates together and for mounting said clip firmly thereon so as to hold said clip revolubly in position with respect to said closure plate.

9. In a device of the type described, the combination of a closure plate having an opening therethrough, a clip comprising a base portion extending across said opening on the inner face of the plate and arm portions extending at an angle to said base portion at opposite ends thereof for securing the plate in operative closure position, a pair of clamping plates at opposite faces of said closure plate with one of said last named plates oiIset at its middle portion for fitting said opening in the closure plate, and a fourth plate having bending lugs on its edge portions adapted to enter registering openings through said clamping plates for securing said clamping plates in position at opposite faces of said closure plate and for securing said clip firmly in position on said plates with the base portion oi the clip interposed between said fourth plate and one of said clamping plates for securing said clip revolubly on said closure plate.

10. In a device of the type described, the combination of a closure plate, two clips each comprising a spring base portion and a spring arm portion at an angle to said base portion at each end thereof for securing said plate in operative closure position, and means for holding said clips in position with said base portions extending across the inner face of said closure plate in crossed relation to each other and comprising a plate having lugs at its edge portions adapted to be bent into gripping relation to its cooperating parts.

11. In a device of the type described, the combination of a closure plate, two clips each comprising a spring base portion and a spring arm portion at an angle to said base portion at each end thereof for securing said plate in operative closure position, the base portion of one of said two clips being offset atan intermediate point for effecting notched engagement with the base portion of the other clip at right angles thereto, and means for holding said clips in position with said base portions extending across the inner face of said closure plate and comprising a plate having lugs at its edge portions adapted to be bent into gripping relation to its cooperating parts and serving to -hold said base portions substantially against bending at intermediate points when said arms are displaced towards or from each other. f

12. In a device of the type described, the combination of a closure plate, two clips each comprising a spring base lportion and a spring arm portion at an angle to said base portion at each end thereof for securing said plate in operative closin'e position, means for holding said clips in position with said base portions extending across the innerv face of said closure plate in crossed relation to each otherand comprising a plate having lugs at its edge portions adapted to be bent into grippingv relation to its cooperative parts, and a loop struck up from the base of said last named plate for connection of a mounting link thereto.

13. In a device of the type described, the combination of a spring base portion, spring arm portions on opposite ends of said base portion at an angle to said base portion, and backwardly extending retainer arm portions formed integrally with said spring arm portions but shaped into substantially channel form longitudinally so that when said second named arms are pressed towards each other the distortion is confined substantially to the spring arm portions.

15. In a device of the type described, the combination of a closure plate, a ring gasket secured on one face of said plate, and clip means in the form of spring mounted retainer arms secured on said plate with free end portions adjacent to the plate opposite the inner edge of the gasket inside of the ring and with intermediate bowed portions normally projecting outwardly opposite the face of the gasket. y f

16. In a device of the type described, the combination of a closure plate, a ring gasket secured on one face of said plate, and clip means comprising a base portion extending across the face of the plate, a spring arm mounted on said base portion and extending away from the plate, and a retainer arm mounted on said spring arm and extending toward the plate,v having its free end located opposite the inner edge of the gasket inside of the ring and having an intermediate bowed portion normally projecting outwardly opposite the face of the gasket.

17. In a device of the type described, the combination of a closure plate, a ring gasket secured on one face of said plate, spring loops in radial position on said plate each comprising an inwardly disposed arm portion extending away from the face of the plate and an outwardly disposed arm portion turned backwardly upon the inwardly disposed arm portion, and means for securing said inwardly disposed arms in positionV on said plate,Y said outwardly disposed arm portions being bowed outwardly at their intermediate portions into position opposite the face of the gasket and having their free ends located opposite the inner edge of' the gasket inside or" the 18. In a device of the type described,` the A combination of a closure plate, a ring gasket secured on one face of said plate, retainer means for holding said plate in operative closure position, securing means extending through an opening in said closure plate inside of said ring gasket vfor mounting said retainer means on said plate -so as to rotate thereon, and an imperforate cap secured on the outer face of said closure plate, said closure platehaving a vent openirm therethrough beyond the outer edge ofthe gasketr through which opening air can enter to -the space .between the cap and the plate for passage thence tending arms each of which is bowed outwardly at' its intermediate portion and is pressed into channel formation longitudinally for making the backwardly extending varms very much stiffer than said-spring arms.

20. In a closure means for a gasoline tank, the combination of a closure plate, and two clips on said plate and rotatable freely about an axis at right angles to the'plate for securing the pla-te in operative closure position, said clips being formed from strips of nat spring metal bent at spaced points to provide spring'arm portions at opposite ends of intermediate basev portions and havingthe end portions of the strips bent reversely to provide mounting arms which are bowed outwardly at their intermediate portions and are pressed into channel form longitudinally, said base portions of the clips being secured in crossed relationship to each other forpositioning said mounting arms in spaced relation.

OLIVER c. Ruz-worum. 

